Car Crush: Rare Illinois Corvette valued at $500,000

David Newhardy, courtesy of Mecum Auctions

Of the roughly 23,000 Corvettes built in 1967, only 815 were black. Lack of air conditioning, as well as a car with a massive 427 cubic-inch V8 engine, made the car hot, and black only made it hotter, says owner Chris Piscitello.

Of the roughly 23,000 Corvettes built in 1967, only 815 were black. Lack of air conditioning, as well as a car with a massive 427 cubic-inch V8 engine, made the car hot, and black only made it hotter, says owner Chris Piscitello.

There are only 23,848 miles on the rare 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible with a 435-horsepower V8 engine paired to a 4-speed manual. It is a Bloomington Gold Benchmark, meaning it has never been restored, featuring 1967 original factory paint, engine, chassis and interior.

There are only 23,848 miles on the rare 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible with a 435-horsepower V8 engine paired to a 4-speed manual. It is a Bloomington Gold Benchmark, meaning it has never been restored, featuring 1967 original factory paint, engine, chassis and interior.

1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible was bought at Bob Eriksen Chevrolet Center in Milan, Ill., south of the Quad Cities, in 1967, then returned to Illinois in 2002 when current owner Chris Piscitello stowed it in his personal garage of all 60s-era Chevrolets in Mettawa, Ill. The 427 cubic-inch tri-power V8 engine in Tuxedo Black is the only unrestored benchmark of its kind, meaning the engine, paint, chassis and interior have never been replaced. It's expected to get up to $500,000 at the Mecum Auction in the Indiana State Fairgrounds running through Saturday, May 20.